English 
Deutsch Who is the Business Administration Degree at Northern Business School suitable for?
The Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration is aimed at school leavers with a university entrance qualification as well as professionally qualified individuals who wish to combine a thorough business education with individual specialisation options. It is particularly suited to people who possess analytical thinking, decisiveness, and a keen interest in economic contexts. The hybrid study model is suitable both for school graduates seeking a practice-oriented and future-oriented full-time course of study, and for working professionals, apprentices, or individuals with family commitments who want to organise their studies flexibly on a part-time basis.
What admission requirements apply for the Bachelor in Business Administration?
To enrol in the Business Administration degree programme (B.A.) at Northern Business School, you need one of the following qualifications:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification or an equivalent recognised prior education
- Studying without a school-leaving certificate is possible: for example, with a completed vocational training of at least two years plus subsequent work experience of at least three years. An advisory interview is required.
There is no Numerus Clausus (NC). Admission takes place without a selection procedure and is independent of the grade point average. Applications are reviewed continuously; there is no application deadline.
For a successful course of study, you should have a interest in economic issues and a willingness to work analytically. Essential are basic mathematical skills, good language and reading comprehension, as well as self-organisation and self-motivation. Practical experience in the field of business, such as through commercial training or initial internships, is helpful but not mandatory. Openness to digitalisation, teamwork, and the willingness to engage with a variety of subject areas – from controlling to business law – are further important personal prerequisites.
What content does the Business Administration degree at NBS cover in detail?
The Bachelor's degree programme Business Administration (B.A.) at Northern Business School combines a broad foundational education in business administration with the opportunity for individual specialisation. The central principle is the modular approach, which allows you to specifically select or independently combine two fields of expertise. This way, you develop both as a generalist and a specialist.
- Basics of business administration: You acquire in-depth knowledge in accounting, finance, marketing, controlling, corporate management, human resource management and business law.
- Practical relevance: Case studies, projects and courses are oriented towards real company requirements. All lecturers bring practical experience.
- Specialisations: During your studies, you choose two fields of expertise, e.g. from:
- Health and Care Management
- Real Estate Management
- International Management
- Marketing Management
- Tourism and Event Management
- Business Psychology
- Business Law
- Business Management (broad, classical business administration)
- Future orientation: Topics such as digitalisation and sustainability are integrated into all study modules.
- Personal development: In addition to expertise, soft skills, self-management and personal development are the focus.
This structure enables you to develop cross-sector application competence and to prepare specifically for specialised professional fields.
How is the course structured and organised?
The Business Administration degree at NBS is designed to be flexible and can be completed full-time or part-time, with the option to combine on-campus and online study:
- Full-time study (on-campus/hybrid): Duration 7 semesters (210 ECTS). On site in Hamburg – with hybrid live online elements.
- Part-time study (100% online): Duration 8 semesters (180 ECTS). Ideal for working professionals or apprentices. You can optionally attend lectures online.
- Choice of specialisation: You can decide on your specialisation comfortably until the 4th (full-time) or 5th semester (part-time).
- Internship: An internship is an integral part of the full-time model; in the part-time model it can be completed voluntarily.
- Study abroad option: A voluntary semester abroad at one of over 40 partner universities is possible.
- Examinations: Online exams are part of the flexible study model.
The study concept relies on small groups and personal support. Start dates are possible on 15 March and 15 September each year.
Which career paths and sectors are open to you after graduation?
With a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree, you are broadly positioned while also specialised. This qualifies you for a variety of fields of application in companies, organisations and authorities:
- Classic business administration fields: Controlling, accounting, management consulting, human resource management, marketing, sales, logistics, project management
- Specialised positions: depending on your chosen specialisation, e.g. in health, real estate or tourism management, marketing, business psychology or business law
- Leadership training: The degree lays the foundation for middle management roles and leadership positions
- Further options: Entry into international companies through the specialisation in “International Management”, access to specialised industries, start of self-employment
- Academic further education: With the degree, you can pursue a Master’s programme, for example in Real Estate Management or Controlling & Finance
Career entry opportunities are particularly high in metropolitan regions but also nationwide. According to studies, entry-level salaries for business administration graduates in consulting and finance sectors range between €45,000 and €48,000 annually (median).
Where do you study – and how is the campus organised?
The NBS Northern Business School is located at Holstenhofweg 62, 22043 Hamburg, in the heart of one of Germany’s most significant economic regions. The campus is conveniently situated with access to public transport. In full-time study, you are mainly present on the campus in Hamburg, supplemented by hybrid online live offerings.
- Full-time: On-campus sessions (hybrid participation possible upon request)
- Part-time: 100% online teaching, exams can be taken online nationwide
- Studying abroad: Optional semester at partner universities worldwide possible
Small groups, intensive support and exchange with lecturers from practice characterise campus life.
What costs arise – and how can you finance your studies?
For the Bachelor’s programme in Business Administration at NBS, tuition fees of €485 per month apply in the full-time model, which corresponds to a total sum of €20,670 for a duration of seven semesters. The costs for the part-time programme are lower (from approx. €294 per month), varying depending on the study model and scope of services.
- Full-time model: from €480 monthly, total costs from about €21,000
- Part-time model: from €294 monthly, total costs from about €15,000
- Semester ticket: Included in the full-time study
- BAföG: BAföG funding is possible in full-time study
- KfW study loan and scholarships: Usable to finance tuition fees
- Further options: Instalment plans and individual support offers
According to the university, finances are not a barrier to study: A wide range of funding options – from state support, scholarships to loans – is available.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Business Administration? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Northern Business School or the editorial team will answer you.